Warning issued after flat fire caused by candle

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a warning about candle safety ahead of Christmas after one is suspected to have caused a flat fire in south London.

Six fire engines and about 40 firefighters were called to a blaze at a maisonette on Stockwell Lane in Stockwell on Monday evening.

The fire broke out in a four-room flat occupying the second and third floors of a four-storey building. Part of the property was damaged.

Two people managed to leave the flat before crews arrived and were treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.

The brigade said it was alerted at 19:36 GMT, with crews from Clapham, Battersea, Brixton and nearby stations attending. The fire was brought under control by 20:27.

Fire investigators believe the blaze was accidental and caused by an unattended candle placed close to combustible materials.

The LFB issued the following advice:

• Never leave candles, incense sticks or oil burners unattended
• Always extinguish them when leaving a room and especially before going to bed
• Use heat-resistant holders on a stable surface
• Keep naked flames away from decorations, curtains, papers, furniture and clothing
• Keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children and pets
• Use proper holders for tea lights, which can become hot enough to melt plastic surfaces

London Fire Brigade said most candle fires are preventable and urged people to take extra care during the festive period.

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